There are a number of warning lights on the dashboard, and most of them are not supposed to flicker or stay on. If they do, that generally means a problem with the feature or system they indicate. The same is the case with your SRS airbag warning light. Let’s find what is an airbag warning light, why a car’s airbag light is blinking continuously and how to fix the airbag light.
What is an Airbag Warning Light?
Technically, SRS is a term for your car system that has the ability to deploy automatic seatbelts and airbags. A vehicle’s SRS is also known as a passive restraint system; this term indicates that the driver does not have to do much to activate the system. This system is efficient enough to control itself on its own.
A car’s SRS has the ability to take note of the vehicle’s brakes, impact location, and the rate of deceleration. It automatically detects if there is a person in the front seat. After collecting all information, it transfers the accumulated information to the Airbag Control Unit, which then, on the basis of information received, decides when to activate the airbags.
Reasons for Airbag Light to Come On
There are many reasons as to why the airbag light on the dashboard is on, a few of them are listed below:
- When there is an issue with your seat belt latch
- Malfunctioning of the passenger seat sensor
- There is some deterioration from water damage
- If your vehicle has an old deteriorated airbag clock spring
- If the SRS computer’s backup is running out of battery
- Any past accidents where the airbags were not functioning well
- If there are any faults in the SRS computer system
Diagnosing the Airbag Warning Light
Before you learn how to fix the airbag light, it is important to know how a vehicle’s airbag system works. The airbag system is made of sensors, and one unit is available that reads the signals. It contains an airbag that has a minor charge which allows it to operate on its own if there is an accident. Make sure to test airbags before you leave for your journey.
If your passenger occupancy sensor is damaged, you will need to get it checked or fix it yourself. Get yourself a plug-and-play kit that you can use to separate a yellow connector that is hidden beneath the seat and wire it in the side-step module for your vehicle. After this is done, you can use a kit used universally to join the wire; if you are a beginner and do not have a wiring diagram refrain from doing this step at home.
One of the reasons why your SRS airbag warning light may be on due to an issue in your vehicle’s clock spring. If the airbag light is on or if the horn is broken, then there is a high probability that there is some issue in the vehicle’s clock spring.
In order to find a solution for the clock spring, you might need to remove the steering wheel for some minutes. This entire process is easy and quick and usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
Now you know the reasons for airbag lights to come on and how to diagnose the issue, take your hand tools and follow the steps given below in order to fix the airbag light.
How to Fix the Airbag Light
Here are the steps involved to fix the blinking airbag light on the dashboard. But, before that make sure you buy auto parts and tools required to proceed with the process:
Step 1:
Take out the negative battery cable from the terminal of the vehicle. Once this is done, give some time for capacitors to discharge, which takes about 15 minutes.
Step 2:
It is essential to keep the vehicle’s wheels straight and make sure the steering wheel is positioned straight. Hold on to the middle part of the wheel where the airbag is kept. Now proceed to find the location of the screws. After locating them, you can unscrew them.
Step 3:
After unscrewing the screws, bring the airbag towards you and start to remove the connectors. The connectors can be removed by using a pick to move the yellow clips out. After this, you will be able to remove the airbag. Try moving the steering wheel in different positions in order to uncover the screws that keep the steering column trim in position.
Step 4:
In the next part, you have to be sure that your steering lock is fully engaged so that you do not have to move the wheel. Try using the two pieces of painter’s tape and keep them in the middle of the steering wheel and the steering column trim. This can be your reference point for when you move the steering wheel back to its initial position.
Step 5:
For loosening the steering wheel nut, you can simply make use of a breaker bar of the right size socket. Make sure that you do not completely remove the steering wheel nut. It will take a few tries for you to free the wheel but make sure that the column nut is not removed.
Step 6:
Once this is done, you can move to remove the nut and the wheel. This will uncover the clock spring, which is the reason why your SRS airbag warning light is turned on.
Step 7:
Separate the harnesses located beneath or at the back of your clock spring and take the clock spring off. Now install the brand-new clock spring and remove the tab by bending it till it breaks.
Step 8:
Now, use the initial reference point marked with the tape to install the steering wheel back to its place.
Step 9:
Take a torque wrench to make sure that the steering column nuts are tightened to the specified torque. After this, you can install the harnesses and the airbag. If you are not able to find torque specks, you can always use your hands or a breaker bar to tighten them.
Step 10:
Install the lower trim piece and connect the negative battery terminal back to its original place.
You can now start your car, and there will be no flashing airbag light.
Is It Safe to Drive with My SRS Light On?
You can still drive your vehicle even with the SRS light on; however, this can be unsafe for you. Therefore, it is essential to check the airbag lights by taking your vehicle to a service centre so that a professional can examine your SRS computer.
Whether you have bought a used car in the UAE or a new one, if you are not able to fix the airbag light on your own, it’s better to call a technician. Since the airbag system is sensitive, you should always be careful while fixing it.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information about different auto parts and their repair guides.
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